Illinois Solar: Is Panel Installation Worth the Cost?
Solar panels are more efficient and affordable than ever before, leading many homeowners to explore their potential.
Illinois may not be America’s sunniest state, but it gets plenty of light to make the investment worthwhile.
Solar incentives put panels within budget for many households. Meanwhile, rising utility prices increase the value of saving energy.
Most Illinois homeowners can expect a significant return on their investment, but calculating an exact figure requires some background information.
Below are insights from Brda Electric’s experience servicing residential solar in Southern Illinois.
Illinois Solar: Factors Affecting Savings Value
How much you can save with solar depends on a lot of factors.
The main variables are:
- Solar panel size, efficiency, and output
- Your equipment choices and system design have the biggest impact on energy production.
- Electricity prices
- Higher kWh rates increase the value of the energy you offset with solar.
- Roof orientation and shade
- In Illinois, unshaded, south-facing roofs have the best solar alignment, but professional design can make the most of any rooftop.
- How you pay
- Paying in cash, loan, or lease changes the payback period (the time until your panels pay for themselves).
Climate and weather influence seasonal production, but modern panels can continue producing energy in most conditions. With proper angling, even ice and snow buildup slides right off.
With all these factors at play, there’s a lot of variation in long-term value. The average Illinois home with a 7.2 kW system can save almost $1,700 annually, or over $42,000 during a standard 25-year* equipment lifespan.
*A well-designed and maintained system can last much longer.
What Is the Average Cost of Solar Panels in Illinois?
Similar to savings, the price you’ll pay upfront to install solar panels depends on several variables, including:
- Labor rates
- Equipment costs
- Permitting and inspection requirements
Thankfully, there’s a measurement that combines all these into a single number: cost per watt.
National and state data place the average cost of residential solar at around $3 per watt .
Typical home solar systems are rated for 5–10 kW, so the average Illinois homeowner is looking at a total price of $15–30 thousand.
However, there are local incentive programs homeowners can use to further lower their costs.
Keep in mind that every installation is different, and yours can be tailored to your budget and target output.
Solar Incentive Programs for Illinois Homeowners
Illinois residents have access to a valuable stack of incentives that help shorten the time until you earn a return on your solar investment.
- Federal
- Residential Clean Energy Credit: A 30 percent tax credit that applies to eligible solar technology installed before 2026.
- State
- Illinois Shines (Adjustable Block Program): Get paid upfront for the solar energy your panels are expected to produce over the next 15 years.
- Utility
- Net metering: Interconnect your panels with any investor-owned utility to sell your excess solar energy and receive credits on your bill.
- Equipment rebates: Many Illinois utilities offer rebates for installing solar panels or equipment add-ons that improve the system’s efficiency. Terms and availability vary.
The best part is that you can combine all of these programs if you meet the requirements for each. For more details, read Brda Electric’s complete guide to Illinois solar incentives.
Estimating Your Long-Term Savings With Solar
Follow these steps to ballpark your potential savings from going solar:
- Price the system: Consult a solar electrician and get a detailed quote that includes equipment, installation, and permitting (if applicable).
- Apply incentives: See which programs you qualify for and subtract their value from your project quote.
- Estimate output: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) provides a free location-based tool to estimate your system’s annual output based on real solar data.
- Multiply the estimated annual kWh by your electricity rate to get a rough yearly savings estimate.
- Project long-term value: Multiply your annual kWh estimate by 25 years, the minimum expected equipment life.
- Cost-value analysis: Compare your 25-year savings to your total estimated costs. You should see a pretty penny coming back.
One complication to note is that policies and incentive programs change. Remember to check for upcoming program changes and factor these into your estimate.
Bottom Line: Are Solar Panels Worth It for Homeowners in Illinois?
For most households, yes.
Illinois’ climate, electricity prices, and solar incentive availability support sizable long-term savings.
Actual results will depend on your property, shading, energy use, and financing method.
How Brda Electric Helps You Maximize Solar Savings
Brda’s solar electricians design and install systems for dependable, long-term performance. Your technician will help you navigate planning, permitting, installation, and utility interconnection.
Brda Electric also provides preventive maintenance that maximizes equipment performance.
Learn more about residential solar with Brda Electric.